March 29, 2007

March 29, 2007

Over the next several days I will be posting several links to mp3 downloads of various parts of the Traditional Latin Mass for those who are truly interested in learning the greatest gift the Church has given the world.

This audio recording features Father David O’Hanlon, curate at Batterstown, Co. Meath, as celebrant.

Fr O’ Hanlon was born in 1969 and ordained in 1997. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in Classics in 1990, after which he attended the PontificalIrishCollege in Rome. He obtained his STB (Sacrae Theologiae Baccalaureatus) from the PontificalGregorianUniversity in 1994 and his STL (Sacrae Theologiae Licentiatus) from the Pontifical Patristics Institute (the Augustinianum) in Rome in 1997.

The part of the server is recited by Kieron Wood, a layman who lives in Dublin. Kieron is the producer and director of The Most Beautiful Thing This Side Of Heaven, a video on the rubrics of the Tridentine Mass featured in my last post.

March 27, 2007

The Most Beautiful Thing This Side of Heaven

Do you remember the Tridentine Mass? Or would you like to know more about this 1500-year-old liturgy? Kieron Wood’s 52-minute video The Most Beautiful Thing This Side of Heaven takes you step-by-step through the history and rubrics of this venerable rite.

Filmed by a professional television crew, this unique and inspirational production has won acclaim worldwide for its clarity and precision. Many priests have used the video to teach themselves – or to re-learn – how to celebrate Mass in the old Latin rite.

For students of liturgy, it is an invaluable tool. For older people, it recalls the glories of the past, while for young Catholics, it evokes the promise of the future.

The Most Beautiful Thing This Side Of Heaven is available from Kieron Wood, 11 Grange Wood, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16, Ireland. The price of 35 euros (cheque or draft) includes a free 60-page booklet, post and packing.

(This video was originally produced as a PAL version, suitable for most European countries and their former colonies. The American NTSC version is available from Ecclesia Dei, PO Box 2071, Glenview, Illinois60025-6071, USA, price $35 including handling and shipping.)

March 27, 2007

Public schools in Tiverton in the US state of Rhode Island have banned the word “Easter” at all school events and children will now have their photos taken with Peter Rabbit instead of the Easter Bunny.

The US Catholic League reports that William Rearick, Schools Superintendent of the Tiverton Public Schools in Rhode Island, has banned the Easter Bunny from appearing at a fundraising event tomorrow at the Tiverton Middle School.

He has also banned the word “Easter” from all school events. He told the Providence Journal that during the last year and a half, he has become “more aware of folks who don’t have a Christian background.”

Taking the place of the Easter Bunny will be Peter Rabbit, the Catholic League says, and children will be able to get their picture taken with him.

But League president Bill Donohue described it as “unconscionable that in this day and age Superintendent Rearick would choose to honour a thief”.

“To now hold him up as a role model to impressionable youngsters sends the wrong signal. At the very least, grief counsellors should be dispatched to tomorrow’s event.”

“There is also a more serious matter going on. The event smacks of sexism: Peter Rabbit had three sisters – Flopsy, Mopsy and Cottontail – and there is no historical record of them ever having committed a crime. So why were they passed over? Looks like the glass ceiling is still in place.”

Commenting on School Superintendent Rearick’s concern not to offend other religions, Donhue said he was “astonished” that Rearick “only recently discovered Jews and Muslims”.

“But better late than never. However, it was not a Jew or a Muslim who complained about the Easter Bunny – it was an ex-Catholic, Michael Burk; he is vice chairman of the school committee. No matter, I have news for Superintendent Rearick: he has not resolved the problem.

March 26, 2007

The Mass of the Solemnity of the Annunciation televised on EWTN this morning from the Cathedral of Saints Simon and Jude, Diocese of Phoenix was a fine example of what the reverently-celebrated Novus Ordo Liturgy can be.

The Introit was sung by a Schola Cantorum in Latin. The Kyrie was intoned in Greek in responsorial fashion between the schola, choir, and assembly. The readings were offered by two children from the cathedral parish school. The psalm was led in Spanish by two cantors, a man and woman. The Holy Gospel was proclaimed by one of the deacons. The Bishop’s well-crafted homily spoke of Mary’s humble response to the angel Gabriel’s message. A girl from the parish school led the Prayers of the Faithful.

Two deacons in dalmatics, and concelebrants in beautiful chasubles, assisted at the altar which was appointed with six candles and a crucifix. The paten and chalice were veiled. The hosts and wine were presented by school children. A pall covered the principal chalice as well as the assembly chalices. The altar was incensed at the preparation of the gifts. A deacon incensed the people. Heads bowed each time the Holy Name of Jesus was mentioned throughout the Mass.

The Sanctus was sung in Latin accompanied by the organ. Strings added depth to the Great Amen. The Lord’s Prayer was chanted in traditional form in English. The Agnus Dei was chanted in Latin. The six-man schola intoned a Marian Latin piece during Holy Communion. The children bowed their heads before receiving Communion, and knelt (as did the entire assembly) upon returning to their pews. O Santissima, accompanied by strings, was heavenly!

“Dear brothers and sisters of the Parish of Saint Felicity and Martyr Sons!

“…Jesus came to say that he wishes all [to be] in Heaven and that hell, which is barely spoken of in our age, exists and is eternal for all those who close their hearts to His love…” — The Holy Father’s Homily